2011 Hong Kong Optimist Nationals

5, 8, 9 October 2011 hosted by HHYC in Port Shelter

Results after day one

2010 Hong Kong Optimist National Championships

A wildly windy weekend – The Twilight Christmas Fair

Event results www.hkoda.org

Report by Sue Tulloch

It’s time for prize giving at Middle Island, the ‘HOME OF THE SHARKS on Sunday 12th December, and after two weekend’s that could not have been more different in terms of sailing conditions, the final race has been completed and the combined results have been correlated.

The Southside Regatta made up the first weekend of this championship. It was a beautifully sunny couple of days with very mild winds which called upon a variety of skills from the Youth Sailors including dogged determination, tactical and strategic skills, and the ability to identify and benefit from the limited wind that was on the water.  The weekend’s sailing was enjoyable sometimes frustrating and left the youth class sailors feeling that anything was possible with six races to go the following weekend.

As next weekend arrived the weather conditions began to change until it was a very windy 20 knots, with gusts of 28 – 30 knots, the complete opposite of the previous weekend.  Quite a challenge for our Youth Sailors and one where they had to call upon all their experience, expertise and sheer nerve to stay upright and in control.

I’m very pleased to report that several of our sailors completed the Championships finishing in the top half of the fleet and Two Sharks, Clara Krantz and Sophie Tulloch took home 1st  and 3rd prize respectively for the 12 and under category.

This all made the most dynamic and entertaining setting for the successful YSC Twilight Christmas Fair, as guests and members enjoyed the carols, mulled wine, mince pies and much more.  You could just see everyone thinking “shall I go home – or stay for one more mince pie and watch a bit more sailing” I know which one I did!